Oil Prices Stay Volatile as U.S.–China Talks Raise Hopes
  • Market Insights   >   Daily Market Analysis New

Dollar Climbs on Strong Economic Data While Gold Extends Losses

Published: 18 May 2026,06:01

Published: 18 May 2026,06:01

Daily Market Analysis New

Share on:
FacebookLinkedInTwitterShare
Share on:
FacebookLinkedInTwitterShare

Key Takeaways

*U.S.–China meeting remained constructive but delivered limited market impact

*Strong U.S. economic and inflation data continue supporting the dollar

*Gold falls for a fourth consecutive session as USD strengthens

Market Summary

The US dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, extended its gains and headed for its strongest weekly performance in more than two months. A series of stronger-than-expected U.S. economic reports released recently has continued to reinforce optimism surrounding the resilience of the U.S. economy.

Back-to-back inflation reports, combined with firm retail sales data, have strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve may need to maintain a tighter monetary policy stance moving forward. Money markets are now increasingly pricing in the possibility of another Fed rate hike this year, a notable shift from previous expectations that leaned toward easier monetary policy.

At the same time, Kevin Warsh has recently adopted a more neutral stance regarding future interest rate policy, rather than openly supporting aggressive rate cuts. Investors are increasingly expecting the incoming Fed leadership to remain data-dependent, focusing primarily on inflation and economic conditions before making policy adjustments.

Rising crude oil prices have also contributed to the dollar’s strength by increasing inflation concerns and pushing U.S. Treasury yields higher, further supporting demand for the greenback.

Gold prices, on the other hand, extended their losses for a fourth consecutive session as the stronger dollar and rising yields continued to pressure the precious metal. Solid U.S. economic data, firm inflation readings, and hawkish Federal Reserve expectations have increased the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold.

Overall, the combination of resilient U.S. economic performance, elevated oil prices, and tightening monetary policy expectations continues to support the US dollar, while gold remains under pressure from rising yields and a stronger macroeconomic backdrop.

Technical Analysis

GOLD, H4

Gold prices are trading lower, currently testing the key psychological support level at 4,500.00, which serves as an important near-term floor.

A confirmed breakdown below 4,500.00 could extend losses toward the next support at 4,425.00, signaling continuation of the broader corrective move.

Momentum indicators remain weak, with the MACD showing fading bullish momentum and the RSI at 28 remaining in oversold territory, suggesting bearish pressure is still dominant despite increasingly stretched conditions.

However, if selling pressure begins to ease, gold may stage a technical rebound toward the 4,565.00 resistance level, followed by 4,630.00 if recovery strengthens.

Resistance Levels: 4565.00, 4630.00
Support Levels: 4500.00, 4425.00

DOLLAR_INDX, H4: 

The dollar index is trading higher after a breakout above the 99.20 resistance level, reinforcing the short-term bullish structure.

If bullish momentum persists, the index could extend gains toward the next Fibonacci resistance at 99.55, with further upside toward the psychological 100.00 level.

However, momentum indicators are beginning to show signs of exhaustion. The MACD is losing bullish strength, while the RSI at 76 remains in overbought territory, suggesting an increased risk of a near-term technical correction.

If momentum fades, the index may retest the 99.20 support level, with further downside toward 98.90 if selling pressure builds.

Resistance Levels: 99.55, 100.00
Support Levels: 99.20, 98.90

Start trading with an edge today

Trade forex, indices, metal, and more at industry-low spreads and lightning-fast execution.

  • Start trading with deposits as low as $50 on our standard accounts.
  • Get access to 24/7 support.
  • Access hundreds of instruments, free educational tools, and some of the best promotions around.
Join Now

Latest Posts

Fast And Easy Account Opening

Create account
  • 1

    Register

    Sign up for a PU Prime Live Account with our hassle-free process.

  • 2

    Fund

    Effortlessly fund your account with a wide range of channels and accepted currencies.

  • 3

    Start Trading

    Access hundreds of instruments under market-leading trading conditions.

Important Notice to Visitors

Our products and services are not offered or made available to residents of your jurisdiction. The information on this Website is not directed at persons in your jurisdiction and is not intended as an offer, solicitation, or promotion of our products or services to them.

By clicking “I Understand”, you acknowledge this notice and confirm that you are accessing this Website at your own initiative. Access to this Website does not mean that our products or services are available to you.

Important Notice

Please be advised that our products and services are currently unavailable to residents and entities located in the Philippines.

This restriction is a result of our firm commitment to adhering to applicable legal and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions where we operate. In line with our internal compliance protocols and evolving global standards, we continuously assess and update access to our platform to ensure full regulatory alignment.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

If you believe this restriction has been applied in error, please contact our support team for further assistance.

Important Notice:

Important Notice: Please note the Website is intended for individuals residing in jurisdictions where accessing the Website is permitted by law.

Please note that PU Prime and its affiliated entities are neither established nor operating in your home jurisdiction.

By clicking the "Acknowledge" button, you confirm that you are entering this website solely on your own initiative and not as a result of any specific marketing outreach. You wish to obtain information from this website which is provided on a reverse solicitation basis in accordance with the laws of your home jurisdiction.

Important Notice:

Please note the Website is intended for individuals residing in jurisdictions where accessing the Website is permitted by law.

Please note that PU Prime and its affiliated entities are neither established nor operating in your home jurisdiction.

By clicking the "Acknowledge" button, you confirm that you are entering this website solely based on your initiative and not as a result of any specific marketing outreach. You wish to obtain information from this website which is provided on reverse solicitation in accordance with the laws of your home jurisdiction.

Aviso importante:

Ten en cuenta que el sitio web está destinado a personas que residen en jurisdicciones donde el acceso al sitio web está permitido por la ley.

Ten en cuenta que PU Prime y sus entidades afiliadas no están establecidas ni operan en tu jurisdicción de origen.

Al hacer clic en el botón "Aceptar", confirmas que estás ingresando a este sitio web por tu propia iniciativa y no como resultado de ningún esfuerzo de marketing específico. Deseas obtener información de este sitio web que se proporciona mediante solicitud inversa de acuerdo con las leyes de tu jurisdicción de origen.